……

……

Just when Huo Zhengyuan was thinking wildly and panicking, Zhao Junchen's speech continued.

"By the way, here, I have three more good news for you."

Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen's tone paused slightly.

Zuo Lanshan was the most clever, and at this time he was also the first to take the lead, asking, "Oh? The good news that can be specifically mentioned by Zhao Gechen must be exciting good news, and there are as many as three? But I don't know what the good news is? ”

Zhao Junchen smiled leisurely and said, "The first good news is that Fang Ru, the side room in my house, is now more than five months pregnant, and she will soon give birth to a child for me!" So, my Zhao family has a queen! ”

As Zhao Junchen's words fell, the "Zhao Party" naturally responded enthusiastically, and everyone rushed to express their congratulations, and all kinds of auspicious words could be described as gushing.

In some ways, the significance of this incident should not be underestimated.

Zhao Junchen is now a "new uncle", judging from Zhao Junchen's age and achievements, there is also a chance to take off the word "immortal" in front of him in the future and become a real nobleman who is hereditary! Therefore, Zhao Junchen has descendants, which means that the wealth and wealth of the Zhao family have the possibility of continuing, which also means that the interest group of the "Zhao Party" can continue forever, and the family of the "Zhao Party" may become the family friends of the Zhao family in the future, which means that the food and clothing of generations of children and grandchildren will be worry-free!

The most important thing is that Zhao Junchen is too young because of his young age, in the past, he will always attract the contempt of the ignorant, with Zhao Junchen's marriage and childbirth, in the eyes of the world, it also means maturity and stability, which also helps Zhao Junchen's prestige to improve, which is naturally conducive to the further development of the "Zhao Party".

For the "Zhao Party", the only fly in the ointment in this matter is that the person who is pregnant with Zhao Junchen's heir is Fang Ru in the side room, not Cui Qianxue in the main room, and I am not sure whether the child is a man or a woman - if Cui Qianxue in the main room gives birth to a baby boy, it will be perfect.

"Congratulations to Zhao Gechen! Congratulations to Zhao Gechen! ”

"The heir of Zhao Gechen has inherited the bloodline of Lord Zhao, and he will definitely be the dragon and phoenix among people in the future!"

"Speaking of which, my youngest son in my family has just turned one year old this year, if Mrs. Ru gives birth to a son, my unsuccessful son can just be the companion of Zhao Gongzi, if it is a young lady, then ...... You can also become a playmate of your childhood sweetheart! ”

Listening to the blessings and compliments of all the party members, Zhao Junchen's face also had a smile on his face.

When the "Zhao Party" people complimented Zhao Junchen himself, Zhao Junchen could still stay calm, but when he heard them bless Fang Ru and the child, even if he knew that most of these people's blessings were out of interests, Zhao Junchen's heart could not hide his joy.

When the compliments of the "Zhao Party" came to an end, Zhao Junchen coughed lightly, restrained his expression slightly, and said: "The second good news is...... Your Majesty has promised me that when the imperial court officially recovers the Hetao, he will give me a gold medal for exoneration when I am rewarded for my meritorious deeds! ”

As soon as Zhao Junchen's words fell, it was like thunder on the ground, and he immediately shocked the people of the "Zhao Party", and many "Zhao Party" officials couldn't help but stand up directly after hearing this.

Zuo Lanshan's body trembled, and he asked repeatedly: "Zhao Gechen, is this matter serious?" Your Majesty promised you a gold medal for exoneration? Is it really a gold medal for exoneration? ”

Chen Dongxiang's face flushed, and he said excitedly: "The gold medal for exoneration!" This is a gold medal for exoneration! From now on, won't Lord Zhao have to worry about it? ”

If Zhao Junchen has an heir, it only means that the Zhao family's wealth and wealth have the possibility to continue, then after Zhao Junchen received the gold medal of exoneration from Emperor Deqing, this possibility has undoubtedly been greatly improved! So it means that Zhao Junchen can shelter the "Zhao Party" for a long time.

No one is a fool, most people in the "Zhao Party" also knew Zhao Junchen's long-term worries and hidden dangers in the past, and they were all faintly worried about Zhao Junchen's fate in the future, but they really couldn't resist the temptation in front of them, so they had to follow Zhao Junchen all the way.

But if Zhao Junchen gets a gold medal for exoneration, the future situation will naturally be very different...... Although everyone is familiar with the history of the Ming Dynasty and understands that the emperors of the Ming Dynasty have never been models of keeping their promises, everyone will have a fluke mentality, what if this gold medal of exoneration can play a role?

Seeing the excited performance of the Zhao Party, Zhao Junchen nodded secretly.

Just like Zhao Junchen's prediction, whether this gold medal for exoneration can play a role in the future remains to be said, but its impact on people's hearts is immediate.

No, just because of Zhao Junchen's words, everyone in the "Zhao Party" boosted their morale, and they became more and more attached to Zhao Junchen.

While thinking in secret, Zhao Junchen nodded lightly and said with a smile: "This is His Majesty's personal guarantee, naturally there will be no fake!" However, I would like to remind you that even if I get this gold medal of exoneration, this gold medal can only be used by me, and it can only be used for a longer period of time, so you should still be cautious in your actions in the future. ”

Worried that the "Zhao Party" would not only boost their confidence, but also get carried away in the future, so Zhao Junchen couldn't help but remind him again.

Regarding Zhao Junchen's reminder, the "Zhao Party" didn't know whether they had listened to it, and after agreeing, they began to discuss and imagine a better future.

After seeing the performance of the "Zhao Party", Zhao Junchen secretly thought: "Today's party is mainly to further buy people's hearts and strengthen their control, but it is not suitable to pour cold water on them, but looking at their excitement, I am afraid that I will find an opportunity to beat them in the future!" ”

As his thoughts turned, Zhao Junchen coughed lightly and reminded everyone that he hadn't finished his words yet.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's prompt, the "Zhao Party" everyone finally calmed down a little, and Zuo Lanshan asked on behalf of everyone, "Lord Zhao's good news is really extraordinary and exciting!" The first two good news are already so amazing, but I don't know what the third good news is for Lord Zhao? ”

Under the expectant gaze of everyone, Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "As for the third news, you should have heard that the prince came to visit my mansion a few days ago, and wanted to turn enemies into friends and work together with me, and I have promised him...... Therefore, from now on, we will do our best to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to ascend the throne smoothly...... At the very least, it is necessary to ensure that the crown prince's prestige and reputation cannot be lost! ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, the people of the "Zhao Party", who were originally full of expectations, appeared cold, and the reaction was not enthusiastic.

This is first of all because the "Zhao Party" people have indeed received the relevant news in advance, and secondly, it is also because the recent situation of the prince Zhu Heyu is really unbearable, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a phoenix, and the benefits of assisting him are not many and the risks are not small, which also makes the interest of the "Zhao Party" people lacking.

Only Huo Zhengyuan couldn't help but be stunned after hearing Zhao Junchen's last sentence, and then he groaned, as if he had thought of something, and for a while he forgot the panic just now.

Regarding the reaction of the "Zhao Party", Zhao Junchen also expected it, and said slowly: "Of course, I also know that the crown prince has been in a very bad situation recently, and His Majesty has indeed moved the mind of deposing, but all this has not yet become a reality, and there is still a chance to reverse it!" Everyone, the icing on the cake is better than sending charcoal in the snow! This is a great opportunity for us to get a dragon feat! In fact, for our own consideration, we must also fully support His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! ”

Seeing that the "Zhao Party" everyone was listening carefully to their speeches, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction.

"The Seven Princes have often shown their heads during this time, and they have gradually come to the front of the scene, and all of you colleagues are also about to know the temperament of the Seventh Prince, the temperament of His Royal Highness the Prince is diametrically opposed to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which can be called gentle and humble, and soft-hearted......"

Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen's expression was slightly weird, and he continued: "This kind of character seems to be a good thing, but in fact, it is the hanging sword of our waiting!" Have you ever thought about it, just because the character of the Seventh Prince is too gentle, but how can His Majesty be tolerant and gentle now? Before His Majesty abdicates, he will definitely use thunderous means to remove all hidden dangers and obstacles, so as to ensure that the new emperor can smoothly control the temple after he ascends the throne!

Hehe, when the time comes, it will be a change of dynasty, a son of heaven and a courtier! And those of us will be the ministers of the previous dynasty, and we will all become hidden dangers in the eyes of His Majesty! I will soon have a gold medal of exoneration, and I will not be afraid of anything at that time, and I will be a noble with peace of mind, but your future will be worried, and it is best to leave the temple in disgrace! But are you willing to leave the temple like this? Let the new courtiers take our benefits? ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, everyone was thoughtful and had serious expressions.

Zhao Junchen said again: "What's more, even if Your Majesty unexpectedly doesn't make any moves, you should also understand that the Seventh Prince is still closer to those clear streams after all, and he is not the same as us, under the bewitchment of those clear streams, he will become our enemy sooner or later!" But His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is different, he has completely broken with the Qingliu in order to form an alliance with us, which is enough to prove his sincerity! Apart from us, the prince has no other forces to rely on, so he must be tied up with us! As long as the crown prince ascends the throne smoothly, we don't have to worry about anything anymore! Moreover, with our strong support, the prince may not be deposed, so why can't he give it a go? ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen's agitation, everyone in the "Zhao Party" was moved.

Yes, the crisis of the crown prince Zhu and Yu is not an opportunity for the "Zhao Party" to succeed in one fell swoop and completely solve all the hidden dangers?

In the end, after Zuo Lanshan pondered for a long time, he took the lead in expressing his position: "Zhao Gechen's vision and decision, we naturally have no doubts, since Zhao Gechen has already made a decision, we naturally support it!" ”

Chen Dongxiang also said: "Yes, Zhao Gechen's decision will naturally not be wrong!" We will be the only Zhao cabinet minister! ”

With the separate statements of Zuo Lanshan and Chen Dongxiang, everyone in the "Zhao Party" also expressed their support.

Zhao Junchen and the crown prince Zhu and Yu used to be on the same page, and the Qingliu people could not accept the alliance between the prince Zhu and Yu and Zhao Junchen, but the "Zhao Party" people didn't care much about these past grievances - for no other reason, it was because the Qingliu had always been Zhao Junchen's defeated generals and repeatedly frustrated, but the "Zhao Party" under the leadership of Zhao Junchen rarely suffered losses when competing with the Qinglius, and at this time it was extraordinarily generous.

Moreover, because Zhao Junchen's momentum is getting higher and higher, he is also full of words within the "Zhao Party", and the "Zhao Party" people are also accustomed to Zhao Junchen's consistent correctness, and they dare not say it openly even if they have different ideas at this time.

*

Seeing the statements of the "Zhao Party", Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction, and was very satisfied with the obedience and trust of the "Zhao Party".

However, Zhao Junchen also knew in his heart that he was afraid that he would not be able to maintain this kind of situation for too long.

This is because, according to Zhao Junchen's inference, the expansion of the power of the "Zhao Party" has entered a bottleneck period.

After Emperor Deqing and the ministers of the court tolerated Zhao Junchen's regain control of the court's finances, they will inevitably be more vigilant against Zhao Junchen's expansion of power in other aspects, and they will also suppress it with greater intensity!

In later generations, there is a saying that "worse than bad", and people who uphold this view believe that all interest groups in the world are worse than bad, and the interest group that wins in the end is not necessarily the best one, but often just less bad than other interest groups!

There is some truth to this statement.

In a thoroughly stable interest group, all the decisions made by the decision-makers are often not the best decisions, but the decisions with the least resistance to implementation, or the less bad decisions among all the bad decisions.

This is because after the decision-maker has made a decision, someone must be responsible for the implementation, but in a mature interest group, the distribution of interests has long been fixed, whether it is a huge reform or a gentle improvement, it will touch the interests of vested interests, and these vested interests are often the executors of specific affairs!

Some decisions may seem good, and theoretically successful will have obvious positive effects, but if the executor is unwilling to work hard to implement them, or secretly stumbling in the way, no matter how good the decision is, it will only backfire and lead to bad results.

Therefore, whenever a decision-maker makes a decision, the first thing to consider is not how effective the decision is, but whether the decision can be carried out smoothly - that is, whether the decision has harmed the interests of vested interests, and how much backlash will there be after vested interests have been damaged.

At the end of the day, decision-makers often make decisions that seem to do more with less, but a decision that can achieve more with less is considered a successful decision.

When the decision-making of all interest groups becomes like this, the era of comparing each other with each other begins.

This is one of the reasons why old forces are often defeated by new ones in one fell swoop.

The emerging forces are in a period of rapid growth, the distribution of interests has not yet been fixed, and the resistance of vested interests is not very strong, so decision-makers can make the most correct decisions, and these correct decisions can be implemented smoothly; In contrast, the old forces are looking ahead and reacting slowly, and when they finally make a move, it is often counterproductive, and naturally they cannot stop the offensive of the emerging forces.

The "Zhao Party" was an emerging force in the past, and its influence expanded rapidly, and everyone received benefits, and they also understood that they would get more benefits in the future, so they were naturally willing to obey Zhao Junchen's command, and for the sake of more benefits in the future, they were also willing to give up some of their immediate interests, and even take a certain degree of risk.

However, as the expansion of the power of the "Zhao Party" gradually enters a bottleneck period, it can only be limited to the financial aspect on the surface, and the nature of the "Zhao Party" will also change from an emerging force to an outdated force, and the members will gradually become conservative, and those with vested interests are no longer willing to give up their immediate interests, nor are they willing to follow Zhao Junchen to take risks...... At that time, it will be more difficult for Zhao Junchen to control the "Zhao Party".

Therefore, there are many things that Zhao Junchen must determine before the "Zhao Party" enters the bottleneck period.

The cooperation with the crown prince Zhu and Yu is only one of them, and strengthening the hearts of the "Zhao Party" is also one of them.

At the same time, Zhao Junchen also wanted to further transform the "Zhao Party" into a radical reformer in the imperial court.

This point is the progress is obvious, Zhao Junchen's several reform measures, are so that the "Zhao Party" members have benefited a lot, now the "Zhao Party" people have reached the point of hearing the word reform is not overjoyed, just heard that Zhao Junchen is going to promote the commercial tax rectification plan to the northwest provinces, everyone is actively supporting, this is a significant signal.

*

However, Zhao Junchen was not too worried about the backlash of vested interests in the "Zhao Party" in the future, and the "Zhao Party" was only a force on Zhao Junchen's face in the final analysis, which was only used to attract the attention of Emperor Deqing and other powerful ministers.

When it comes to the last resort, even if Zhao Junchen abandons the "Zhao Party", he will not hesitate too much.

Therefore, the future plan for the "Zhao Party" only flashed in Zhao Junchen's mind.

In the next moment, Zhao Junchen's gaze finally turned to Huo Zhengyuan.

Noticing the trepidation in Huo Zhengyuan's expression, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile in his heart.

Zhao Junchen ignored Huo Zhengyuan just now, just wanting to beat him secretly.

Huo Zhengyuan is a smart person, and the advantage of a smart person is that he doesn't need to say anything to him, but he must also knock it once in a while! After this shock, he must have figured out a lot of things.

Huo Zhengyuan is not only a smart person, but also has always been good at protecting himself, so he will naturally keep his mouth shut in the future, and he will never dare to reveal the real cause of Zhan Shanchang's death.

Noticing Zhao Junchen's gaze towards him, Huo Zhengyuan's expression was surprised and happy, surprised that he didn't know Zhao Junchen's thoughts, and happy that Zhao Junchen finally noticed him.

Then, without waiting for Huo Zhengyuan to open his mouth, Zhao Junchen put on an apologetic expression and said: "Speaking of the matter of our cooperation with the prince, I also owe Huo University...... Scholar Huo also lost the concurrent position of Shuntian Mansion Yin a few days ago, and Zhou Ge Lao's movements were also extremely fast, and before I returned to the temple, he pushed Xue Gui under his own door to the position of Shuntian Mansion Yin, so I can't help you regain the position of Shuntian Mansion Yin...... Then, I originally wanted to recommend Huo Daxue to the position of Tobe Shangshu, but out of consideration for cooperation with the crown prince, I finally gave this position to Li Chengru......"

Hearing Zhao Junchen's statement, everyone in the "Zhao Party" shook their heads regretfully.

In their opinion, handing over the key position of the Hubu Shangshu to Li Chengru is really a fertile land, and they are also a little unconvinced by Zhao Junchen's decision.

It is also because Zhao Junchen has been controlling the rhythm of the topic since he appeared, otherwise some "Zhao Party" officials would have expressed dissatisfaction a long time ago.

However, now because of Zhao Junchen's persuasion and guidance, the "Zhao Party" has lost the opportunity to question.

On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan didn't dare to show any dissatisfaction, and hurriedly said: "The lower official is loyal to Zhao Gechen, no matter what kind of arrangement Zhao Gechen makes, the lower official will be convinced and understand, and dare not have any dissatisfaction!" ”

The hint in Huo Zhengyuan's words was only understood by Zhao Junchen among the people present.

Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction again and said, "As long as Scholar Huo is still loyal to me in the future, I will never wronged Scholar Huo!" Although I did not recommend Scholar Huo to become the head of the household, I also had other important arrangements...... After today's gathering, I would like to ask Senior Huo to stay for a while, and you and I will talk in detail at that time! ”

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, all the "Zhao Party" officials looked at Huo Zhengyuan with envy.

Zhao Junchen did not explain his arrangements for Huo Zhengyuan in public, obviously this arrangement involved many links of great interest, which also meant that Zhao Junchen had to entrust Huo Zhengyuan with important tasks.

On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan was also relaxed, knowing that Zhao Junchen had believed in his loyalty, and he was no longer scaring himself, but secretly looking forward to it.

*

Next, Zhao Junchen discussed many things with the "Zhao Party", including the daily routine of exchanging feelings and the government affairs of seeking benefits.

In the evening, Zhao Junchen set up a few more tables of banquets, and talked with the "Zhao Party" and got closer.

When it was all over, it was nightfall, and the night was getting thicker and the moon was hanging on the branches.

After Zhao Junchen sent away the "Zhao Party" people, he invited Huo Zhengyuan, who was left alone, to the study for a secret talk.

After the two sat down separately, Zhao Junchen didn't go around in circles, and said directly: "Thanks to the reminder of Master Huo, I was able to detect Zhan Shanchang's betrayal in time, otherwise it will be endless troubles, you also understand that Zhan Shanchang took the lead in taking refuge in my daughter's bones, his betrayal can be described as extremely tricky for me, and the current situation in the temple is also extremely sensitive, and many times I can only use some forced means!" But Master Huo, you also know that I have always treated my own people kindly, and if Zhan Shanchang hadn't taken the initiative to betray, I wouldn't have been ruthless. ”

Zhao Junchen's words were tantamount to admitting that Zhan Shanchang's suicide was related to him, which made Huo Zhengyuan stunned, and he didn't know how he should answer.

On the other side, Zhao Junchen smiled lightly, became more and more calm, and said: "I say this, I just don't want you to just blindly think in the future, let's make it clear, and we will have fewer scruples in the future!" I want to entrust you with a heavy responsibility, but I can't put a gap between you and me. ”

Huo Zhengyuan hurriedly promised: "The lower officials don't dare!" Xia Guan also understands Zhao Gechen's approach, and there will never be any suspicion and estrangement! ”

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "This matter, the explanation will be revealed...... Now, let's get down to business! Scholar Huo, have you ever thought about serving in Fujian, Zhejiang or Guangzhou? ”

"Fujian and Zhejiang? Liangguang? Huo Zhengyuan deserved to be the smartest person in the "Zhao Party", and immediately thought of Zhao Junchen's plan from these two places, and asked rhetorically: "Zhao Gechen, do you plan to develop shipping?" ”

Zhao Junchen still nodded and said, "As the crown prince goes out of Beijing to investigate the illegal and disorderly affairs of the vassal kings in various places, the 'Eight Kings Boat Company' jointly formed by these vassal kings will soon collapse!" In addition to the fleet of the Zheng family of Annanbo, this shipping company is the best at maritime smuggling business, and it would be a pity to let it disappear like this, so I want to send you to Fujian, Zhejiang or Liangguang to work, and also secretly take over the personnel and ships of this shipping company, and continue its smuggling business! In addition, I also sent someone to contact Annanbo Zheng Zhilong, and I should receive a reply soon, and the two can do business together. ”

Next, Zhao Junchen told Huo Zhengyuan a lot of truths, from the importance of shipping, to the huge benefits of smuggling, and then to the current situation of the imperial court's lack of food, and Zhao Junchen's future plans for the imperial court to lift the maritime ban, etc.

All in all, this is Zhao Junchen's entrustment to Huo Zhengyuan, and if Huo Zhengyuan himself is willing to accept this task, he can also get many benefits, whether explicit or implicit.

However, Zhao Junchen still has a layer of thoughts that he has not explicitly stated.

That is to prepare a way back for yourself and your family.

In the power struggle of the temple, Zhao Junchen has become deeper and deeper, and now he is even more involved in the matter of seizing the heir, and it is becoming more and more difficult to get out.

Zhao Junchen didn't think there was anything wrong with this situation, but he was still enjoying it.

But after Fang Ru became pregnant, Zhao Junchen's thoughts also quietly changed - it didn't matter if he put himself in, but he always had to consider the future safety of his wife and children, so finding a way out overseas was also a precaution.

On the other side, Huo Zhengyuan was also seriously thinking about Zhao Junchen's proposal.

After a long time, Huo Zhengyuan asked: "In other words, after I go to Fujian, Zhejiang or Liangguang, on the one hand, I will receive everything from the Eight Kings Boat Company and continue its smuggling business, and on the other hand, I will contact the Zheng family of Annanbo on behalf of Zhao Gechen?" But I don't know, in what name do I want to go to Fujian, Zhejiang or Liangguang? ”

After a pause, Huo Zhengyuan cautiously put forward his opinion, and said: "Xiaguan has long been accustomed to the prosperity of the capital, if there is a choice, Xiaguan still prefers to go to Fujian and Zhejiang to serve, Liangguang is too far away." ”

"Fujian and Zhejiang, it's a little difficult to do, or it's easier to arrange it in Liangguang, but since it is the initiative of Scholar Huo, I naturally want to try my best to meet it...... Well, in the name of the Resident Minister, how about it? ”

Huo Zhengyuan was puzzled: "Resident minister? Do I have such an old practice? ”

Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "Of course, there was no in the past, but in the future, there will be one!" ”

……

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